Hey all –

I am overhauling a Bianchi Volpe (I think from the 90’s), and have some questions about the bottom bracket.

1. The BB has two retaining/lock rings - one on each of the cups – i.e. there wasn’t a fixed cup, which is not what I am used to seeing. Is this normal? Is it an Italian thing?

2. The cup on the Drive Side, seems to stick out quite far – see images. Is this normal also?

3 a. Since I have it disassembled, I was thinking of replacing the BB, but don’t want to if it isn’t necessary. What are the criteria used to determine if it should be replaced?

3 b. If it is replaced, what are the implications of the drive side cup being stuck out so far? Will a standard replacement BB work?

4. The BB shell measures 68 mm. This is most likely standard/English treading, correct?